David Hookstead
Videos by OutKick
ESPN’s relationship with the Big Ten is over at the end of its current media deal with the conference in 2023.
After reports circulated the sports network was getting iced out in the Big Ten’s new media deal negotiations, John Ourand reported late Monday morning that the two sides are officially going their separate ways after four decades together.
ESPN IS IN HUGE TROUBLE WITH THE BIG TEN’S NEW MEDIA DEAL
ESPN reportedly rejected a seven-year media deal offer worth $2.66 billion.
Now, all attention turns to CBS and NBC. Both networks are reportedly in the race to join Fox for the Big Ten’s media rights.
THE BIG 10 AND SEC ARE CHANGING THE COLLEGE ATHLETICS LANDSCAPE WITH TV RIGHTS
Fox owns the Big Ten’s “A” package. NBC and CBS are in negotiations to possibly have the “B” package.
More than anything, this move represents a massive blow to ESPN’s grip on media in the world of college football.
There are two power conferences – the Big Ten and SEC – and ESPN went from potentially having great influence with both to completely losing the B1G.
As John Ourand previously reported, ESPN might now try to overpay for the PAC-12 and Big 12 media rights in order to offset the damage of losing the Big Ten.
ESPN IS BEGGING FOR A SLICE OF A COLLEGE FOOTBALL TV DEAL
That’s a shockingly stupid idea, but it is ESPN we’re talking about! Not sure anyone has ever accused the network of being run by geniuses.
A new era of Big Ten football is upon us, and ESPN isn’t invited to the party! Have fun broadcasting games nobody is watching at midnight!
No tears for ESPN.
ESPN has the better half of the CFB landscape. So far, they haven’t gone completely woke on it, but give them time. The other networks aren’t much better though.